How to make an internal drive function like an external one?

[I4AT]

Is there any adapter or product available that can do this? Basically I want a storage drive to be housed within my tower and use the same PSU and SATA interface as everything else, but I also want to be able to power it up and down and hotswap only when it's needed.

I only have one PC and anytime I need to move something to, or work on somebody else's computer I just use a flash drive. So having a whole separate enclosure and all the cables is more of a PITA than a convenience, but it'd also be nice to not have to open the case to plug in the storage drive every time I need to use it.

 

[C101]

There are hotswap harddrive bays that fit in the 5.25" slots of your computer case that may provide what you are looking for.

Here's an example off newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817371028

 

[pcgeek11]

This:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-028-_-Product

 

[I4AT]

Aren't these bays just for transferring drives without having to open the case? I don't see any sort of power switch, unless I'm missing something. What I'm looking for is something more like a pass-through with a rocker switch, so the drive can be installed in the case, but unpowered when not in use.

 

[corkyg]

A mobile rack will do that just fine. It has a key operated on/off switch. I've used them for years.

Here's a good video on how it works. Unlike the AMS Venus units, these are single units. Inner trays can be used for different drives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztsyMbycMGM

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

You want an AMS Backplane hotswap bay(s). They come in 3,4,5 storage configurations and each individual slot has it's own power button. They are better crafted than a Lian-Li case. I own 1 3-bay and 1 4-bay

These

 

[I4AT]

Thanks, I'll give those a look.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

That also have a single bay - i just noticed